While neither the snake nor serpent appears in masonic symbolism or ritual, many regalia-makers have used it to fashion the belt hook on masonic aprons. Intended as a symbol of wisdom, the eternal, the universe, the world or regeneration and rebirth, this usage has been singled out by some anti-masons as "proof" that the "Brotherhood of the Snake" worships Satan. All they have proved is their ignorance of its historical usage. Regalia makers simply adopted a common belt-clasp used by manufacturers of clothing for British schoolboys, Metropolitan London police until the early 1960s, and many military uniforms worn in England and the Commonwealth. The snake buckle first appeared in portraits c 1575 as part of a sword belt fitting and fell from fashion by the seventeenth century. At the end of the eighteenth century there was a revival in its use in the military. These examples are taken from the archives of the Grand Lodge of British Columbia and Yukon. THE SERPENT SYMBOLISM INDEX OF PAPERS .

Apron hooks Click on image for enlarged image and reverse. Scottish Rite apron, no date (mid 20th c.) Dominion Regalia Co. Limited (round ink stamp) 1910 London : Toye & Co. Ltd. Liverpool Manchester Dominion Regalia Co. Ltd., Toronto, Ont. 1936. Dominion Regalia Limited Toronto c. 1920. Muir Cap & Regalia Limited Manufacturers 51 Simcoe St., Toronto 2, Canada c.1900. Toye, Kenning & Spencer Ltd. London, Manchester, Birmingham, Glasgow, Liverpool, Johannesburg Established 1801 c. 1950 Cravat and Regalia Co. PER-FIT Trademark, Vancouver c.1910. Dominion Regalia Limited Toronto, Canada Crescent Regalia Limited Montreal, Que. Scotland Vancouver Regalia Co., Vancouver, BC, Fez Specialists Dominion Regalia Toronto, Canada 1990 Provincial Grand Master apron Birmingham Early 20th century

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